Massachusetts Trooper Fired Over Crude Texts in Karen Read Case

Michael Proctor's termination follows revelations of derogatory messages about Read, raising concerns about investigative bias and law enforcement accountability.

Trooper Michael Proctor was officially fired from the Massachusetts State Police for sending vulgar and misogynistic texts about Karen Read during her first trial.
The termination was based on a recommendation from the State Police Trial Board and approved by Colonel Geoffrey Noble, who emphasized the importance of public trust and accountability.
Proctor's texts, which included offensive remarks about Read's appearance and health, were used by her defense to argue investigative bias in her murder case.
Karen Read, accused of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of John O’Keefe, is set to face a retrial beginning April 1, 2025, after her first trial ended in a hung jury.
A federal probe into potential law enforcement misconduct in the case concluded earlier in March 2025 without charges, adding to the controversy surrounding the investigation.